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 Rochester, MN hosted the 2011, 2012 & 2013 USA Hockey Jr. A Tier III National Tournament

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Who we are:
The Ice Hawks celebrate their 18th Anniversary in Junior Hockey (12th in Rochester) during the 2013-14 season.  As a Non Profit Organization, the team's sole focus and commitment is to player development and to college advancement.  The Ice Hawks organization is dedicated to providing players with the skills, attitudes, and experiences to succeed at the collegiate level and to reach full academic, social, and athletic potential.  The coaching and administrative staff is committed to player development on and off the ice.  In addition to hockey skill development, players are oriented to pursue higher education and to achieve social maturity.  Our goal is to prepare players to succeed academically, athletically and socially at the college level.  The Ice Hawks are great hockey and a whole lot more!

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Rochester's Hockey Tradition:
The Ice Hawks are proud to be part of the area's rich hockey tradition.  Hockey in Rochester has roots to the old USHL Senior Professional League.  Hockey icons such as 1980 Olympic Coach - Herb Brooks, Former NHL Coach - Lou Nanne, USA Olympic Coach - Lou Vairo, Air Force's Head Coach - Frank Serratore, former NHL Coach -Kevin Constintine and many NHL players have called Rochester 'home'.

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Athletic Training and Access to Medical Services:

The Ice Hawks contract with the Mayo Clinic's Sports Medicine Clinic to provide Athletic Trainer services.  In addition, the Ice Hawks are fortunate to have Dr. Michael Stuart of the Mayo Clinic serve as their team physician.  Dr. Stuart is the Chief Medical Officer for USA Hockey and a consultant to the NHL Hockey Players Association.  Dr. Stuart and colleagues are available at all home games to attend to injuries and are able to see players as needed at the Mayo Clinic offices.

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The City:
Rochester, MN is a modern, dynamic community with a population of about 113,000.  Scenic Rochester has been named one of the top three most liveable U.S. cities: A wonderful place to live and an outstanding place to play hockey.  The city is visited by 1.5 million people yearly, has 74 beautiful city parks, and has a low unemployment rate.  The city hosts the world famous Mayo Clinic and IBM and is a major shopping, entertainment and education center.

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Team Facilities:
Home games and practices are held at the Rochester Olmsted Recreation Center.  The 'REC' has a seating capacity of 2,600 and houses two regulation hockey rinks, an Olympic swimming and diving pool and a gym.  The Ice Hawks facilities include a large professional style, permanent locker room with individual built-in wooden players' lockers, storage rooms, trainers room, and equipment room with skate sharpening, and an administrative office.  The Hawks train nearby at the 'world class' Rochester Athletic Club (http://www.rochesteralthleticclub.com/) where player enjoy full memberships with full access to personal trainers and the latest equipment!  The Ice Hawks facilities are among the best in all of Jr. Hockey!  Early morning ice practices are scheduled 5 days per week.  Off ice training sessions are scheduled in late afternoons or early evening on non-game days.  The average week will see the Ice Hawks on the ice 6 days.

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Employment/High School/College and Academic Support
Ice Hawk player work part time or are to attend school.  There are many employment opportunities available to provide with life skill experience and funds to help with personal expenses.  Rochester's 3 public and one private (Catholic) high schools cooperate with the Ice Hawks in establishing schedules to accommodate players' needs.  Several college opportunities are available.  Rochester Community and Technical College is a 2 year college that offers a variety of general education offerings which are transferable.  Both the University of Minnesota and Winona State University offer satellite campus programs. 

In order to support player academic development, the Ice Hawks staff includes an Education Coordinator, Jamie Patrick and an academic tutor, Tom Showalter.

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Media Coverage and Fan Support:
Unlike most metropolitan areas where media ignore non-professional sports, the Ice Hawks are well covered by the local media.  The Rochester Post-Bulletin covers games and carries features on the club and its personnel.  Rochester's radio, TV stations and local cable service provide coverage.  KTTC (NBC) & KAAL (ABC) run nightly highlights of home games and feature interview with coaches and players.  The Ice Hawks receive outstanding media exposure!  The Hawks Nest fan club sponsors fan bus trips, fund raising raffles for Nation Tournament expenses and social gatherings for players and families.  The Hawks Nest Club seating sections at the REC provide lout and enthusiastic support for their team!  Rochester loves its Ice Hawks:  Last season attendance averaged about 1,250 fans per game.

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Housing:
All players are housed in the community by 'host families'.  Many host families have children who currently or formerly have been involved in youth hockey.  They enjoy the opportunity to help an Ice Hawks player.  Players are treated as members of the host parents' family and quickly become part of the Rochester community.  Strong friendships are formed between players and families.  Many maintain close relationships into the future.  The Ice Hawks extensive housing program is managed by Dawn Larson, Housing Coordinator.

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Coaching and Support:
The Ice Hawks are led by Coach Nick Fatis.  He has 16 seasons of coaching experience at the Junior level with 12 years (494 wins) as the head coach.  As a year round full time coach, he directs hockey operations and coordinates scouting and player development activities.  Coach Fatis has received numerous honors and national recognition for his expertise in player development and placement.  He is assisted by Todd McIlrath, Corey Dubois, Bob Montrose and Jayson Peterson: All are experienced well regarded coaches with outstanding reputations.  Ice Hawks' equipment manager Justin Bowder and his assistant Bryton Dahl prepare equipment for home and away games.  They repair equipment, sharpens skates, cleans and prepares sweater and socks for each game: He manages a fully stocked equipment room.  The Ice Hawks ride team buses to away games.  The Ice Hawks provide outstanding coaching and player support.

                   Staff Contacts-
                    Nick Fatis, Head Coach nick@mnicehawks.com
                    M. Fatis, Pres/GM mfatis@mnicehawks.com